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False alarms and system glitches can be exasperating, and even more concerning, might prevent your home security system from working how it should. Thankfully, most issues, from dead batteries to false alarms, are easy to fix. Take a look at our recommendations for troubleshooting your home alarm system in Dothan. We’ll help keep your family members shielded and your system operating the way it should.

Test Your Home Security System In Dothan

One effective way to troubleshoot your property’s defense is to test it yourself! Newer systems have a test mode so you don’t by accident prompt an emergency call. Once you’re in test mode, take these steps:

• Arm your system as you normally would when you exit your home.
• Open a window or door that has a contact sensor, or test other devices. Shut the door or window so it doesn’t trip the alarm when you reactivate the system.
• Allow the alarm to resonate for 60 seconds to make sure a signal is sent to the security provider and an entry is made in the alarm system log.
• Continue testing equipment as you wish
• Check the system activity log to validate that everything’s working.

Don’t worry, monitoring agents will know that your system is being tested. Be sure to switch off test mode when done. It’s a good idea to test monthly or anytime you adjust your home’s phone or internet service.

Evaluate The Placement And State Of Motion Detectors

Although an crucial part of your alarm system, motion detectors are well known for false alarms. Do your part to prevent them with some easy troubleshooting.

• Conduct a physical inspection. Is there anything that could shift within the sensor’s detection range, like a window treatment blown in a breeze?
• Is the sensor clean? Grime, dirt, and cobwebs can lead to issues. Check to confirm the face is clean.
• Does the motion detector offer pet immunity you can enable? Some models can be programmed to ignore pets up to 100 pounds.
• When was the battery replaced? A nearly depleted battery may impact performance or cause false alarms.
• Is the sensor pointing toward a heat source? Excess heat from sunlight or a fireplace can cause an alarm.

Keep Batteries Ready And Pay Attention To Low Battery Warnings

One helpful perk of modern home security systems is that they’ll tell you when batteries are getting low. If your system uses a control panel or app, you’ll often discover alerts there. Depending on your system, you could detect an intermittent beep when batteries are running out. 

Motion detectors, smoke detectors, contact sensors, and other wireless tools have batteries that should be replaced every 1 to 2 years. It’s best to keep batteries on hand and set a replacement schedule. Top systems also include a rechargeable backup battery for the primary control panel. This backup keeps your system operating if you have a power outage and should recharge itself once power is back online. If it doesn’t recharge, you will have to replace it.

Troubleshooting Is Easy With ADT Home Security In Dothan 

As the foremost name in home security, ADT designs systems that provide superior functionality and convenience. Switching to test mode is simple through the ADT+ app or MyADT.com, and you’ll always be sent alerts when a sensor battery is low. Get in touch with Secure24 Alarm Systems, an authorized ADT dealer, to learn more and design a system perfect for your Dothan home and family. Call (334) 219-8334 or submit our form today!